The most obvious substitute for bananas would be the plantain, both of which share similar backgrounds, coming from the same Musa genus, with similar appearances. The flavours however are distinctly different as plantains are higher in their starch content, and are not as sweet as bananas. Once plantains begin to ripen the consistency is similar to bananas and are great in things such as smoothies and shakes.
Jackfruit is fairly large and does not resemble a banana at all, but it contains a similarly high starch content and has a sweet flavor that almost mimics bananas in some contexts. Jackfruits or Artocarpus heterophyllus originated in Asia and is widely found in South America. The texture of this fruit is almost bready making it behave similar to that of bananas, particularly when cooked making it go soft like pudding quality.
Monstera is similar to jackfruit and is commonly called Mexican breadfruit, with the proper scientific name of Monstera deliciosa, which is appropriate as it is delicious. It has a white creamy pulp which maintains similar banana like consistency when it is included in shakes, smoothies, and other sweet recipes. This fruit offers a unique flavour combination somewhere in between a banana and a pineapple, making it an excellent banana mimic. Monstera fruit can not be eaten before it ripens, so be sure to know how to identify when it is ripe and ready.
Pawpaw is a fruit found throughout North America. Pawpaw has a unique flavour combination that is somewhere between that of bananas and pineapples. Pawpaw consistency is very smooth and soft, much like banana. You can eat pawpaw raw or cook it, however pawpaw loses much of its flavour when it is cooked, unlike bananas which cooking seems to enhance. Pawpaws contain seeds inside which have to be remove before consumption, unlike the seedless bananas, but don’t let the seed throw you, removal is worth it.
Bananas and these alternatives offer up some nice benefits to go along with great taste such as helping with weight loss, curing intestinal disorders, reducing obesity, relieving constipation, helping to cure conditions like dysentery, gout, anemia, urinary and kidney disorders, aiding with burns and menstrual problems, helping to relieve arthritis symptoms, reduce blood pressure, boost metabolism, protecting heart health, reducing ulcer severity, building strong bones, boost immunity, ensuring healthy eyes, and helping to detoxify the body. Bananas medical benefits are attributed to their contents which are rich in minerals, vitamins, and organic compounds such as vitamin C, B6, folate, pantothenic acid, riboflavin, niacin, copper, manganese, potassium, magnesium, protein, and dietary fibre.
